Reconnect with nature and childhood through the world premiere of music-and-puppet play based on the diary of 6-year-old Opal Whiteley which opens Thursday in Bethlehem.

The production called “The Morningtime of Now,” features folk singer Anne Hills performing music, inspired by Opal’s diary while more than 30 puppets made by Doug Roysdon of Bethlehem’s Mock Turtle Marionette Theatre, recreate scenes from the book based on the 90-year-old diary of a little Oregon girl. Actor Kayla Prestel voices Opal and musician Jay Ansill accompanies.

The production which runs May 22-26 at the Ice House in Bethlehem explores themes of nature and the cycle of life through the eyes of the girl born in 1897.

A best-seller in its time, Opal’s diary about her childhood described her imaginative friendships with animals, fairies and the rural landscape. Opal grew up in a lumber camp, and used the natural world as an escape from her harsh childhood.

Both Hills and Roysdon say this is not just a children’s show. In fact, Roysdon says it is “aimed at adults with the expectation that children will also enjoy it.” He recommends it for children age 5 and older.

The show is 8 p.m. May 22-25 and 2 p.m. May 25-26. Tickets are $15, adults; $10, ages 12 and under.